AN 87-year-old woman was led to safety by a neighbour following a gas explosion at her home.

Firefighters were called to the semi-detached property in Rayfield, Epping, at 6.30am yesterday

The force of the explosion damaged the roof of the house and the front windows were blown out.

Another window at the back of the house was also smashed by the explosion.

Sub Officer Derek Whitbread said: "When fire crews arrived the 87-year-old lady who lived in the property had been led to safety by a neighbour. 

“Fire crews administered first aid to the lady and she was then placed in the care of the Ambulance Service.

"Fire crews evacuated three neighbouring properties in total and residents were soon allowed back into their homes once it was declared safe by the structural engineer and gas board."

The cause of the explosion is still being investigated.

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